The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is poised to attract horse racing enthusiasts from around the globe. Interestingly, a growing number of punters are opting to travel to the Spanish town of Benidorm to experience the festival in a unique setting.
Scheduled to kick off at Cheltenham Races on Tuesday afternoon, the festival promises four days of thrilling racing, betting, and socializing. While ticket sales are expected to be brisk, a significant portion of fans is embracing the alternative of enjoying the festival in Benidorm.
Reports from The Sun indicate a staggering 225% surge in hotel bookings in Benidorm during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a favored destination. This resort offers amenities such as large TV screens, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
Many attendees also participate in racing-themed fancy dress, adding to the festive atmosphere. In addition, the cost of drinks in Benidorm is notably more budget-friendly, with the cheapest pint priced at around £1.70, a notable contrast to the approximately £7.50 cost at Cheltenham, albeit down from previous years.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer of On the Beach, expressed excitement about the anticipated buzz surrounding the festival in Benidorm, highlighting the growing interest in this unique Cheltenham Festival experience.
The trend of a Cheltenham-themed trip to Benidorm coincides with several enhancements announced for the 2026 edition of the festival. Changes include reduced prices for drinks, expanded freedom for race-goers to carry beverages around the venue, improved food and beverage offerings, and the reintroduction of Ladies Day to the calendar.
With a slight reduction in overall capacity at the racecourse and various improvements to the event’s infrastructure, the 2026 Cheltenham Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees and participants alike.